Austin Hooper, TE, Stanford: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Following in a long line of productive Cardinal tight ends, Austin Hooper enters the draft a versatile playmaker ready to contribute on the professional level.
After a short drought at the position, Austin Hooper brought the ‘Tight End U’ moniker back to Stanford.
The versatile Hooper totaled 937 receiving yards on 74 receptions and eight touchdowns during his two seasons as a Cardinal.
Some fear that he was more of a complimentary piece rather than a featured target, but the rise in red zone production during his final collegiate season indicates otherwise (six scores opposed to two).
With this is in mind, where will Hooper fall in the NFL Draft? Let’s break it down.
Vitals
Ht: 6-4
Wt: 254 pounds
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: San Ramon, CA
Prospect Video
Strengths
A long, rangy tight end that pulls down nearly everything thrown in proximity, Hooper has ideal size for his position with extra room for muscle growth. He’s not a burner but possesses good speed and acceleration to separate from opposing defenders.
Hooper is a powerful runner after the catch that plays bigger than his lanky size. Few tight ends have softer hands and extend better, and though he may not look the part, Hooper is a strong blocker capable of moving, turning and sealing defenders.
Weaknesses
More from NFL Mocks
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft Journal: Cardinals, Falcons tank for USC QB Caleb Williams
- Patriots News & Rumors: Ezekiel Elliott talks fun in Foxboro; Mills to Packers?
- Fantasy Football: 5 reasons Colts QB Anthony Richardson can be a top-end option
- Packers’ Lukas Van Ness will make a Lambeau leap into the NFL in 2023
- 2024 NFL Draft: Hunter Haas’ Top 50 Big Board
In Hooper’s case, the best is yet to come. His potential is great but he needs to put on some more muscle in order to handle defenders at the next level, something that could take about a year’s time. A polished receiver, yet Hooper lacks needed initial quickness.
Questions still surround the former Stanford product about his ability to be an effective primary target.
Verdict
The well-rounded Hooper is looking like the next Cardinal tight end to make it big in the NFL. Six Stanford alum that play the position were in the league in 2015 and there’ll be a seventh joining them this year.
Between Hooper’s strong blocking and receiving skills, he has the potential to be best of the special bunch.
He’s nowhere near his ceiling and that’ll excite any team who picks him, which should come at some point in the second or third round.